Trainee Associate Programme
Key dates
Trainee Associate Programme
Next application window: Applications are currently closed and will reopen in Autumn 2026.
Programme start: 2029 or 2030.
Putting you first
56000
61000
150000
Insights
For two years, you will experience the dynamism of life at Freshfields and shape your future. From day one, expect to collaborate with partners, associates, and business team professionals across our global network. You will have exposure to a wide range of legal disciplines, including commercial litigation, M&A, antitrust and competition, employment, tax, and intellectual property.Variety
You will move seats every three months, with the flexibility to decide what you would like to experience next or to remain in a seat for longer. Life on the Trainee Associate Programme includes a variety of learning opportunities. Your development will never stop – enabling you to shape your own future, professionally and personally.Secondments
We aim to send all our trainees on a secondment in the final six months of the programme. You could find yourself working in one of our global offices (such as Silicon Valley, New York, Hong Kong, or Dubai) or at one of our clients.Qualification leave
You will receive four weeks’ paid leave upon completing the programme.Shape a bold new vision with us
For prospective trainees from under-represented backgrounds, we offer additional mentoring and coaching as well as the opportunity for all future joiners to formally connect with others in our colleague networks.
How to apply
Our programme is open to penultimate- and final-year undergraduate students from any degree discipline, as well as recent graduates. To apply, you’ll need to be eligible to start the Trainee Associate Programme in either 2028 or 2029. Your intake year will be confirmed by our Early Careers Team, based on your academic status.
Your questions answered
If you are in your penultimate year or beyond, you are eligible to apply directly to our Trainee Associate Programme. There is no advantage in applying for a vacation scheme over a place on the Trainee Associate Programme and approximately half our trainee intakes come from direct Trainee Associate Programme applicants. You don’t need to have completed a vacation scheme to secure a place on the Trainee Associate Programme.
Need more information?
Start by checking our FAQs for answers to common questions. If your query isn’t covered, you can reach out to our People team.